Deputy Australian Public Service Commissioner

Mr Patrick Hetherington commenced in the role of First Assistant Commissioner on 24 August 2020. Prior to joining the Australian Public Service Commission he spent almost 20 years in the Department of Defence where his last role was as First Assistant Secretary People Policy and Culture. His responsibilities included enterprise cultural reform, Indigenous Affairs, Graduate programs, learning and development, workplace relations, and Australian Public Service and Australian Defence Force employment policy and conditions of service.

A Certified Practicing Accountant by background, Pat has held roles ranging from the management of Defence’s Integrated Investment Program of over $200 billion to management of the Defence budget. He played a key role in the implementation of Defence’s capability lifecycle, stemming from the First Principles Review of Defence.

Pat’s move to the Australian Public Service Commission follows a secondment to Services Australia where he was involved in mobilising the Australian Public Service in response to COVID 19.